Ken Byron Ventures Mr. Christian’s Flying Dutchman Flek

The Turkish provides some earth, wood, floralness, herbs, vegetation, mild sourness and spice along with a light buttery sweetness as the lead component. The burley Dutch brown cavendish offers some earth, wood, bread and nuts. It doesn’t quite offer full support. The moderately sugary stewed fruity, earthy, woody stoved Virginia is in a secondary support role. The flue cured Virginia produces a little tart and tangy citrus and grass. It’s a condiment. The chocolate, raspberry, blackberry, vanilla, nougat, coffee, and nut toppings are noticeable in that order. They sublimate the tobaccos to a medium degree without drowning them out.The strength, nic-hit, and taste levels are medium. It won’t bite or get harsh. Barely has any rough edges. The broken flakes are mildly moist, and need no dry time. Well balanced with some nuance, it burns clean, cool, and a little slow with a very consistent Dutch style, fruity, sweet, mildly floral, nutty, spicy, lightly smoky flavor that extends to the very pleasantly lingering after taste. The room note is notch stronger. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires a few more than an average number of relights. An all day smoke with a little punch and depth. Four stars.

-JimInks